Warning! Muslims will be present!

A little info: Mogens and Annetta own an organic food distribution company. Part of my time will be working at the company.



Sooo this morning as Mogens and I were leaving for work, he said, "Just to let you know, there will be a couple of Muslims there." I was dumbfounded. I thought to myself, Why the hell would I care if Muslims will be there? And why is he telling me this?



He could see the confused look on my face and in a funny, sarcastic manner said, "Well, from my understanding, you Americans don't like Muslims." We both laughed hysterically because it was a joke at ignorant folks who dislike Muslims, because they're Muslims. Because in case YOU are unaware, being a Muslim does NOT make you a terroist.



This is why I like Mogens. He has a great sarcastic sense of humor.



But I became a little nervous when he told me in the car that two women were Iraqis. Why? Well, I wasn't sure how they would react to me being an American. What would I say? Um, yeah, sorry my country invaded yours under false pretenses.* Sorry your country is a war zone and we have only allowed 800 refugees (until recently) into our country.** You read and hear conflicting stories of the Iraqi people's opinions of the invasion. I wasn't sure what to expect.



(*For those of you who still think Saddam and/or Iraq was responsible for 9/11, he wasn't. It was proven by the 9/11 Commission Report http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9/11_Commission_Report. **More info on Iraqi refugees http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18944557/.)

Dana and her sister were super cool. Dana speaks English very well - it was like I was talking to an American. They both have lived in Denmark for 8 years. Their mother lives in southern Iraq, and says before there were 8 bombs a day and now there's only a couple.

We chatted a little about the war and as she put it ,and I agree, it's political (I would add ideological, too). She's happy as most are that Saddam is gone, but now it's a religious war. And concerns of establishing a stable Iraq are questionable.

For those of you who are thinking, Oh Brooke, you're being too critical, we helped the Iraqis. Well, consider this, if the US really went to save the Iraqis, then why haven't we gone into Darfur and helped stop its genocide? Which in all accounts is much more atrocious compared to Saddam's brutal tyrannies. Yes, it's old news to argue the war, but I believe it's important to not forget about this war for many reasons: 1) It's OK and democratic to question your government's potentional war motives. 2) War ain't pretty and it ain't cheap. 3) And most importantly, the war is still happening, with more than 4,000 troops killed thus far and an estimated 100,000 Iraqi civilian deaths.

Anyways, Dana doesn't blame the American people, she blames the politicians.

Later, for lunch, her sister made a delicious Iraqi meal, which consisted of hummus and pita; bubur salad with garlic, parsley and tomatos; and one of my favorites, meat pies.

Today was a humbling experience.

This is so what I'm talking about

Ah yes, fresh red leaf lettuce, gourmet sausage and cheese, kalamata olives, marinated peppers, and sundried tomatos... what a perfect lunch... all I needed was a glass of red wine.

Annetta and Mogens definitely have good taste in food. They've made sure I help myself to anything I want. Again, I've been fortunate to have such easy going, welcoming hosts. As Mogens put it, "You're part of our household now, so help yourself."

Annetta and Mogens are in their early fifties. They're very nice. Their eldest, Andreas (19) is traveling South America until Febuarury. Currently, he's in Brazil. Julie (16) attends high school in Copenhagen (1 hr via train). I find her refreshing because she's different and she likes Nirvana.

Train Station Snack

In Denmark, you can purchase single beers just about anywhere and walk away with it.

The hotdog looking treat is a sausage that is inserted into a bun. I've seen them everywhere in Denmark and thought I should try one. I was hesitant at first because I was thinking gas station hotdog... But I assumed it would be better because ya know, it's Denmark.

The open faced bun is a delicious french bread with a hole in it. Inside the hole is where the sauce goes, ie, mustard, ketchup, etc. It was pretty tasty.

I'm at my new farm...

and they're normal.

Last Night and Last Day

Last night, Anne made yummy veggi enchiladas filled with leeks and peppers, topped with a spicey tomato sauce. We toasted to a bubbly cider that was brought from another wwoofer. For dessert we had homemade ice cream. I hope my other wwoof hosts make such good food!

This morning I packed, and as I'm writing my last entry in Fejo, I'm listening to one of Mick's cds and eating a homegrown pear he cut up for me. I'll so miss Fejo.

I'm sorry, but we have to break up

And, it's not you, it's me... it's definitely me.

I felt like I was breaking up with Anne and Mick this week. Feelings of sorrow and guilt filled me up. I practiced in my mind how I would break the news that I'm leaving. I know, it's ridiculous! But, it has been such a pleasure getting to know them, that my feelings were a reflection of me not wanting to say goodbye. I don't like permanent goodbyes or goodbyes in general. The notion of not being able to see someone that you genuinely like f****ing sucks! And I feel like I've had one too many goodbyes in the past few years.

So I told them I would be leaving on Sunday (tomorrow) to work at another farm closer to Copenhagen. It's time for me to meet new people and see more of Denmark. My plan is to stay at the new farm for 1-2 weeks and then head to Amsterdam.

Anne and Mick took the news like champs, no tears, no "Please don't leave me, I can't live without you!" They both wished me well and told me I'm welcome to come back anytime.

I will miss Anne and Mick. I'll miss our talks, Anne's fantastic laugh and Mick's music. Oh, and of course I'll miss the delicious apples that they put in everything. They're people who will always have a special place in my heart.

And finally, cheers to them for their environmentalism and efforts to build an ecological community.

Copenhagen pics

Panties anyone? For sale in the train station. There's also a shower in the women's and men's restroom.












A big town square with a blues band playing (on the stage) on a Friday afternoon.










Square near Gunna's home with outdoor cafes and restaurants. These tend to be common in Copenhagen. Even when it's 55 degrees Danes still sit outside to eat and drink.











Common architecture and street layout.

















Busy intersection. The building with the green roof on left is a subway entrance. Designated bike and bus lane on right where bikers are.











One of many parks in Copenhagen.













Another park. The water in the back is the sea.













Harbor with restaurants and bars. According to locals, the bars and restaurants on this famous street, Nyan (sp?), are filled with tourists, business people and Swedes. The Danes tend to sit and stand on the edge of the harbor and in the park to the left, which is not in the picture.









My super cool Servas host, Gunna.

Just completed an absentee ballot request

Now I have to wait for the elections office to mail me the absentee ballot. I'm writing this on my blog because everyone (OK not everyone) has asked if I will be submitting one.

As many of you may (or may not know), I've been involved in campaigning for local and nationwide campaigns since my early 2os. I got involved after being pissed off that the 2000 presidential election was stolen from Gore. (For those of you who disagree, pick up a book, an article, and read it with unbiased eyes!)

Many are surprised that I'm not in America during this historic election. I've had a hard time coping with not being able to help elect a Democrat into office. Frankly, I have Bush fatigue so damn bad I think it's fatal. And the thought of having 4 more years with McCain is sickening.

I almost didn't come to Europe or at least thought of postponing my trip. After discussing this with some of my close political friends, I've decided it's OK, and you have to take care of yourself first. I've been a loyal campaigner for quite a while, and Obama has motivated and inspired people who have never been interested in politics before; therefore, I'm comfortable with my decision and believe he'll be OK without me. ;)

Only 2 weeks vacation, what?!

This is the response I receive from Europeans (so far from Londoners and Danes) when I inform them that Americans only get 2 weeks vacation. Then, they almost have a heart attack when they learn many Americans do not receive paid vacation or no vacation. (I go the extra step and explain further that it's common to receive more vacation days after working at a company for more than 3 years, 5 years, etc, usually gaining another week. But this doesn't make them feel better.)

For those of you unaware, Europeans (Western, not sure of Eastern) receive 4-5 weeks of vacation per year! Danes get 5 weeks. EVERYONE gets 5 weeks. No matter who you are, who you work for, or how long you've worked for the company - you receive 5 weeks when you start your job.

The subject of American vacations gets brought up because the US State Department states about 27% of Americans have passports (New York Times story at http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/08/18/washington/18immig.html?fta=y). Europeans have said something along the lines of, "Why don't more Americans have passports; Why aren't they traveling to Europe?"

My answer: Most Americans only receive 2 weeks vacation, so many go to Mexico or the Caribbean to lay on a beach and relax. Or they take long weekends and travel locally. Plus a trip to Europe is not relaxing, it's work. Americans travel to Europe to sightsee, not sit their a** on a beach.

Europeans find it incomprehensible to receive only 2 weeks vacation. I agree.

I think that's why most Americans are so f****ing stressed and unhappy. There's no time to enjoy life; it's all about work. And we work to retire. To what, enjoy life at 65?! It's like we've been brainwashed to believe if we don't work more than 40 hrs than we're not a hardworking, loyal employee. And it's even more f****ed up that there are employers that make you feel guilty or give you a hard time for taking your earned vacation days (and sick days)! I've experienced it, and I'm sure you have too.

One thing is for sure, we definitely live in a business friendly country, not a worker friendly country. And, just because we work harder and longer, does not mean we have a higher or better standard of living than Europeans.

Everyone was Kung-Fu Fighting

This guy f***ing kills me! Tell me that Bruce Lee shirt isn't the best shirt ever!

On Sunday, I rode a bike to the beach area and then stopped at this bar (bottom pic) for a beer. I sat outside, in the grass. After a while, a woman came by and invited me over to join her and her friends. They were super nice and fun. As when I was in London, the locals tend to buy me beers as a form of hospitality.

So the guy in the Bruce Lee shirt is part owner of this bar/restaurant/bed & breakfast. One of his friends thought he should put this shirt on for me. I'm not really sure why, but it's f***ing hilarious. We all laughed hysterically.

I left the US because of this song

YMCA

One of the lamest songs ever. Anyone who thinks it's a fun song is a total f***ing tool.

Saturday night, Anne and Mick had a bombfire and cooked soup and bread over the fire.

When it got dark everyone had to get up and dance. The first song played was YMCA. I was a total tool, but it was so much fun!

Mick is the guy in glasses on the left (mid pic). Anne is the woman with red pants (bottom pic).

For Katie and Mike

Brooke in Danish

Last night, Friday, Anne and Mick's two friends came over for fish stew, boiled potatoes, carrots, and apple cobbler. Upon meeting them they had a hard time saying, 'Brooke' and were saying, 'Brok.' They all started to laugh.

Anneli explained that Brok means hernia or complainer. This was the joke for the evening. It was pretty funny.

Sea and land pics of Fejo

Pics of Anne's and Mic's house

Top pic is of their apple tree. Middle pic is view from the street. Bottom pic is the common entrance. The glass room to the left is where we eat dinner.

Breakfast Time

This is the little table, next to my straw bale house, where I drink my coffee in the morning. The house is to the right, but you can't see in the pic.

Good news! I'm not a total knob!

I finally figured out how to post pictures from a mac... damn Steve Jobs!

This is the straw bale house I live in. Inside the cottage, looking outside the house, you can see the sea.

Outside of the house, to the right is a sink and portable gas stove. I tend to brush my teeth here at night.

It ain't all paradise

My afternoons have consisted of chopping word and cleaning the earth off of bricks for a fireplace. The work is fine and even enjoyable. I love chuckin' wood!

I spend outside with Mick who I like very much. He's a good conversationalist.

BUT, the f***ing bees, mosquitoes and flies are everywhere. Constantly I hear the buzzing near my head and it's irritating as hell. It's funny because they don't faze Mick. We'll be talking and he always has one or two mosquitoes on his face and he never wipes them away. And they're always in the same spot - on his forehead above his left eye. It's become amusing and admirable that he can stand it.

I guess the silver lining is my fear of dying from a bee sting is gone since I was stung by a bee and I'm still here!

Fejo

Lowdown on the island:

600 people live here.

It's mostly flat with rolling meadows, open space and farm land. Very green. Farms I've seen thus far are small and have sheeps, goats, horses. Apple and plum orchards are common.

The sea is visible from most viewpoints.

There's a grocery store, restaurant/bar, gas station, catholic church (That no one goes to. Danes aren't religious people.) And I believe a little vacation resort, or what looks like one.

Island is a 12 min ferry ride from mainland.

Temperature is 55 - 65, sunny and breezy - my favorite weather.

7 hours ahead of Chicago.

If you're tired, relax...

you don't have to do anything. This is Anne and Mick's philosophy.

I still have to do my four hours of work per day, but it's kind of at my leisure.

So their farm is not a real farm. They do not live off their land, meaning they do not grow crops. Anne offers relaxation retreats where she teaches people how to relax. (I was not aware of this prior to my arrival) And as I've said before, Mick makes music.

My days consist of light breakfast in am, work, lunch, work, leisure time (bike or walk), nap, dinner, reading, and bedtime.

It's very relaxing here. Anne and Mick are very kind and welcoming. I feel very fortunate to be staying with them.

Work a little, eat little

My day, today:

9:00 am - Had coffee and roll at my little outside table.

Project 1, fix up my new room! Yes, I'll be moving out of the cozy little cottage on Friday. A Danish woman is coming who will be working with Anne on Holistic Treatments. It's OK, my new room will be just as comfortable.

9:30 - 11:45 am - Moved furniture and cleaned windows.

noon - 1:00 pm - Lunch with Mick and Anne. We ate yummy eggs with cheese and tomato, rolls and sliced cucumbers. I washed some clothes in the sink. Then listened and critiqued more of Mick's music.

2:00 - 3:30 pm - Sanded and painted door.

3:30 - 4:30 pm - Mick prepared a snack and tea! Snack included two rice crisps, one with cheese and pear, and one with tahnini, tomato and onion. Anne and I chatted while we enjoyed our snack.

4:30 - 6:00 pm - I biked around part of the island. It takes 4 hours to circle the entire island. It's absolutely gorgeous.

Rest of the night will include dinner at 7 pm and probably some reading.

I'm having difficulty attaching pics because they have a mac and i'm unfamiliar with them. I will try later. Sorry dudes.

I should just go home now

This farm is f***ing awesome! I can't even stand it. It seriously can't get any better than this. This is why I should just go home - nothing else will live up.

I have my own little cottage with a small view of the sea. They're home is lovely and the landscape is even more so.

Mick (one of the owners) met me at the ferry with two bikes. (Again with the bikes!) We biked home, picked up some farmstand tomatoes, and chatted for 3 hours over tea, rolls, cheese, and preserves.

Mike, and Englishman is a musician - he was in blues bands in his younger days (he's about 55). He played some of his music for me. For some reason he wants my opinion. Later today he wants me to go over some of his music. Maybe that's why I'm here!?

Just met his wife, Anne. Gotta go.

I'll try and post pics tomorrow.

Till later.

WWOOF Time

I leave for my farm in Fejo Denmark tomorrow with the wwoof program (wwoof.org). Fejo is an island a few hours south of Copenhagen. I will take a train, bus and ferry to get there. Then Anne, one of the farm owners, will pick me up.

Beautiful Copenhagen

It's beautiful because of its architecture, cobbled streets, sidewalk cafes, parks, seaside views, and people. And it's such a peaceful city. The city itself is a laidback kind of town and the Danes look so damn relaxed! Not tired and haggard.

So this is me towards the end of my Copenhagen walking tour, exhausted, on Nyhavn St. If you can see behind me there's a canal, and then the sea. On the other side of the canal (your right) is the other side of Nyhavn St. This strip is filled with restaurants, bars and people.

The colorful buildings is what most of Copenhagen's architecture looks like.

Need a bike?

Copenhagen is a biker's city. Bike lanes are common throughout the city. Biker and bikes are everywhere. Many bikes aren't even locked up! (Could I use the word 'bike' anymore?!)

I'm in love, again

Ah, Copenhagen... what a charming city. 

My host, Gunna lives in a cozy flat in the center of the city. She told me to warn you all that she's a socialist feminist... could it get any better? 

When I arrived she had a meeting so I walked the city for a couple of hours and when I returned she served me some delicious homemade cabbage soup and fresh baked bread.

Everyone I've come across here so far has been absolutely friendly and helpful. If this town wasn't so damn expensive I'd spend two months here. 

Leaving for Copenhagen

I'm flying to Copenhagen today where I will stay with Gunna, a member of Servas International (http://joomla.servas.org/).

I love sausage rolls

What could be better than a tasty sausage inside a flaky croissant? Yum. I've seen them all over London, and thought I should try one.

Thank God for cigarettes and gay men

I got a late start today since I was so exhausted from walking yesterday. Went to the neighborhood cafe and had, yet another quiche and coffee. (If I consume one more quiche you can stick me and roast me on the barbie.)

My destination, and only planned destination for the day was the London Tower. How f****** awesome it was to see a castle from the 1200's.

I walked over the massive bridge and was hoping to find a cool neighborhood, but instead hopped on a bus to Greenwich. This upper.middle class town is northeast of London. I wasn't sure what to expect. Got off the bus and walked toward the "tourist information" booth to find it was closed. So I ended up walking along the river walk and around the neighborhood where I found a quaint pub off the beaten path.

The Plum of Feathers (oldest pub in Greenwich 1691) provided superb service and excellent food.

Then I met them. My acquaintances for the night.

Glenn and Roger. Glenn a 65.year.old Englishman and Roger a 35.year.old Spaniard.

Outside, I asked Glenn for a light and he invited me over. We sat, drank, smoked, and talked about how hopefully Obama wins the election. They fell in love when I told them I quit my job to travel Europe, and I scored even more brownie points when I could talk American politics. (It's OK to have an intelligent conversation about politics. It's what we as Americans should do. It's the most basic form of democracy. OK, I'm done preaching.)

After visiting a couple of neighborhood pubs they treated us (me, Roger's brother and friend) to a wonderful Indian dinner and cabernet.

After dinner we came back to their flat and watched a Diana Krall DVD taped in Paris. Glenn is an American jazz and American movie aficionado. I could talk music, but not movies.

Now, I'm in their computer room/my bedroom typing this entry.

Some of you may be thinking, "Oh my god, how could you be staying at a stranger's home?" Look, this isn't a habit. And not everyone is out to get you (right, Ty?). You meet people and you just click. It's a hospitality thing. I'm in London, visiting their city, they want to show me a good time. I would do the same, and have for people. They have been nothing but hospitable and gentlemen.

I hesitated to write this entry because I didn't want to make anyone more nervous than they are about me traveling alone. My advice, trust that I'm probably the most street smart person out there, and I always have an exist plan. Oh, and turn off the 10 o'clock news and read the paper.

Cool is London

The people, their clothes, their shoes (omigod the shoes!), their hair, and the city itself is so cool. It's a coolness that doesn't come from money or wearing expensive designer clothes. They're cool because it's their original style.

London itself is loud, busy, dirty and people are everywhere, but I love it. It has a vibe to it that I've never experienced before.

Yesterday, I started my own walking tour at one of London's city park, Hyde Park. It's huge - you can't see the end in any direction. It's open green space with gigantic trees, flowers, a large swimming pond, a water fountain, playground, and several interconnecting bike trails. A water fountain memorial for Princess Diana is located here, too. It's a lovely park.

From there I walked south to the middle-class neighborhood Kensington. As in all of London I've seen thus far, coffee/bakery shops are so common that it's not unusual to have 2-3 on one block. And they're good bakeries.

As I continued my walking tour, I passed Buckingham Palace; St. James park, another beautiful park with a riverwalk; Trafalgar Square, where a royalty car passed; and The City (downtown) where I grabbed bite and a pint (OK, 2). My goal was to walk to the Tower of London, but I've already walked at least 10 miles and my body hurt.

On my way home, I walked through the neighborhoods Covent Garden, China Town and Piccadilly Circus. Wow.

Covent Gardens consists of quaint cobbled streets with restaurants, bars, shops, and theaters. Many of the streets are for pedestrians only. It kind of reminded me of New Orleans. China Town had the same setup.

Piccadilly Circus which has been compared to New York's Time Sqaure -- some say it's better, I dunno know, never been to NY -- was crazy. It's interesting to me to see American restaurants in London. Does London really need a TGIF's? I don't think America needs one.

After 8 hours of walking, I took the tube home and had a couple of pints at the neighborhood bar where I met a friendly group of Brits and traveling Frenchmen. It was a nice end to my day.

Arrived in London yesterday

Since I'm a knob, I almost didn't arrive in London yesterday. British Airways overbooks (like Southwest) and luckily I received the last seat. I'm a knob because I've experienced this overbooked issue before with Southwest. For example, this past Christmas. But I got on the cramped, stuffy plane and arrived safely.

From the airport I took the "tube" (subway) and ate one of the most delicious chicken pies at the train station, where I people watched for bit.

Didn't do much for the remainder of the day. Got to Yaschica's and slept for a few hours. Later, Yaschica, her husband and I went to a pub for a beer and then to an Indian restaurant for dinner. It was very good.

One word I temporarily need to remove from vocabulary: restroom. After I asked the bartender where the restroom is, he looked confused and in good humor said, "This is a restroom, you can rest in here," as he pointed to the pub chairs. We both laughed. I said, "OK, where's the toilet?"

Intro

First things, first, the name of my blog. I know, it's trite, but of course I waited until the last minute to create this blog so my creative juices aren't as juicy. But it does make me laugh, because my friend Tara and I came up with it the other night and we couldn't stop laughing about it. And it still makes me laugh. So if you have other suggestions let me know.

So I leave for Europe today (Sunday). Why, you may ask? Well, why the hell not? (For a deeper answer see "My Profile" on the bottom right.) As my friend Cory told me back in early spring, when I was contemplating this adventure, he told me: Life is about living, and that's what you're doing. I agreed.

I have to admit, I do feel like a bit of a narcissist writing this blog, but many people in my life are genuinely excited and interested about my trip, and this is an opportunity to share my travel experiences.

And finally, I want to thank all of my family and friends who have been supportive about my trip. Thanks to those that have gone out of their way to see me or contact me with goodwill wishes before I venture off. My apologies to those that I didn't get to see. Oh, yeah, and special thanks to those for hookin' me up because "I need to save my money for Europe." Look forward to returning the favor.

You'll see me soon - I'll see you in December!

Peace and Love,

Brooke

Itinerary as of today

Depart from O'Hare Sunday, Sept 7 and arrive in London Monday morning. I'll be staying with my friend Yaschica, an American who has been living in London this past year.

Friday, Sept 12 fly to Copenhagen Denmark. On Friday and Saturday I will be staying with a woman named Gunna who I met (via email) through the hospitality exchange organization Servas International (http://joomla.servas.org/).

Sunday, Sept 14 take train and ferry to Fejo Denmark, an island, 2 hours south of Copenhagen, where I will "WWOOF" at Anne and Mick's farm through the WWOOF program (http://wwoof.org/europe.asp). In return for working on their farm I will receive free room and board, and meals. Duration is 1-2 weeks. I may work on another farm in Denmark and then spend more time in Copenhagen.

After Denmark, I will spend about 1 week in each country including The Netherlands, Belgium, France, and most likely Italy. Living arrangements will be with hostels (http://www.hihostels.com/) and hosts with Servas International(http://joomla.servas.org/), Women Welcome Women Worldwide(http://www.womenwelcomewomen.org.uk/), and Couch Surfing (http://www.couchsurfing.com/).

October 26 - November 16 I will WWOOF again, but in Tarifa Spain at Alicia and Johnny's farm. The project not only includes farm chores, but work at their ecoretreat which offers accomodations, yoga and meditation.


I may splurge here and there with hotels or bed & breakfasts, but it will be rare.

I return to the US Monday, December 1.